AP Language & Composition Lesson 13.2

desecrate

• To ignore the significance of something sacred.
• To violate or profane something sacred.
• To protect and preserve something sacred.
• To honor and celebrate something sacred.

fortuitous

• happening by chance or accident
• planned or intentional
• predetermined by fate
• inevitable or certain

vehement

• mild or subdued
• calm or relaxed
• intense or passionate
• indifferent or apathetic

credulous

• Skeptical
• Gullible
• Naive
• Cynical

blasphemy

• An expression of gratitude towards deities.
• Disrespect towards sacred beliefs or deities.
• A type of sacred text.
• A form of religious celebration.

lax

• to obstruct

• to stray from the subject

• strict

• careless; relaxed

cryptic

• mysterious or hidden meaning
• obvious and transparent
• easily understood
• clear and straightforward

hinder

• to obstruct

• banal; overused

• hatred

• friendly

esoteric

• Esoteric refers to something that is widely understood by everyone.
• Esoteric means intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people.
• Esoteric means a type of ancient philosophy.
• Esoteric is a synonym for common or ordinary.

pretentious

• Pretentious means attempting to impress by showing off.
• Pretentious is a term used to describe someone who is always quiet and reserved.
• Pretentious refers to a lack of ambition or drive.
• Pretentious means being humble and modest.